31 The second is this: You must love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.'
32 The scribe said to him, 'Well spoken, Master; what you have said is true, that he is one and there is no other.
Beloved friends in Christ, today we gather to reflect on a profound exchange between Jesus and a scribe, found in the Gospel of Mark. This passage encapsulates the essence of our faith and offers us a roadmap for how we are to live in relationship with God and one another.
The scribe asks Jesus, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” This question, simple yet profound, invites us to consider the foundation of our faith. Jesus responds, “Listen, Israel: the Lord our God is the one, only Lord. You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.”
Here, Jesus emphasizes that our love for God is not a passive feeling but an active commitment that encompasses our entire being. It is a call to engage deeply and wholeheartedly with our Creator. Our love for God should transform us, compelling us to live out that love in tangible ways.
But Jesus does not stop there. He adds a second commandment: “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” This is a radical extension of our love for God; it asks us to see the divine in those around us. In loving our neighbor, we fulfill our love for God. Our relationships are a reflection of our devotion.
The scribe recognizes the depth of Jesus’ teaching, stating that this love is “far more important than any burnt offering or sacrifice.” He understands that rituals and sacrifices hold no weight without the love that should underpin them. God desires hearts filled with love, not mere compliance with rules.
As we meditate on these words, we are called to evaluate our own lives. Are we loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength? Are we truly loving our neighbors as ourselves? In a world that often fosters division, fear, and indifference, we are invited to embody a different narrative, a narrative of love, compassion, and unity.
Jesus tells the scribe, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” This statement challenges us. It suggests that understanding the commandments is only the beginning. Living them out fully brings us closer to God’s kingdom. We may know the right answers, but are we living them?
Let us strive to move from mere understanding to action. In our workplaces, our families, our communities, and even in our churches, let us be vessels of God’s love. Let us challenge ourselves to reach out to those in need, to speak words of kindness, and to build bridges where walls have been erected.
As we leave today, may we carry the essence of this teaching in our hearts. Let our love for God propel us into action, and let our love for our neighbors reflect the light of Christ in the world. Together, as a community united in love, we can draw nearer to the kingdom of God.
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35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached him. 'Master,' they said to him, 'We want you to do us a favour.'
THE PATH TO TRUE GREATNESS IS TO BE A SERVANT
Today’s Gospel reading from Mark presents us with a powerful lesson about true greatness and the nature of leadership in the Kingdom of God. We encounter James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who come to Jesus with a bold request: to sit at His right and left in glory. Their desire reflects a common human ambition for power and recognition, a yearning to be elevated above others. But Jesus responds with profound insight, turning their worldly expectations on their heads.
When Jesus asks if they can drink the cup He will drink and be baptized with the baptism He will undergo, He invites them into a deeper understanding of discipleship. The cup symbolizes suffering, sacrifice, and the trials He will endure. James and John respond confidently, "We can." Yet, they do not fully grasp the weight of what they are asking. Jesus assures them that they will indeed share in His suffering, a promise that speaks to the realities of those who follow Him.
As followers of Christ, we, too, are called to partake in His sufferings. Discipleship is not merely about sharing in the glory but also embracing the challenges and sacrifices that come with it. It’s a reminder that true leadership and greatness are not devoid of struggle; they often emerge from the very depths of our trials and tribulations.
When the other disciples express indignation at James and John's request, Jesus seizes the moment to teach them about the radical nature of His Kingdom. He contrasts the behaviors of worldly rulers, who seek power and dominance, with the call to servanthood that He extends to His followers. "Anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant," He says. This flips our understanding of greatness upside down.
In our world, greatness is often equated with authority, accolades, and status. But Jesus reveals that in His Kingdom, true greatness is found in serving others. It’s a profound truth that challenges us to reflect on our motivations and desires. Are we seeking to climb the ladder of success for our own glory, or are we willing to kneel in service to lift others up?
Jesus doesn’t just teach us about servanthood; He exemplifies it. He came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. Here lies the ultimate model of leadership: sacrificial love. The Son of God, who holds all authority, chose the path of humility and service. He washed His disciples’ feet, He healed the sick, and ultimately, He laid down His life for us.
As we reflect on this passage, let us ask ourselves: How can we embody this spirit of service in our lives? In our families, our workplaces, and our communities? Are we willing to set aside our ambitions for the sake of others? Can we seek to serve rather than to be served?
Dear friends, the call to discipleship is a call to a radical way of living. It invites us to embrace both the challenges of the journey and the joy of serving others. As we strive for greatness in our lives, let us remember that it is found in the humble act of service. May we be inspired by the example of Christ, who showed us that true leadership lies not in the power we wield, but in the love we share.
Let us pray for the strength to follow His example, to drink the cup He offers, and to be servants to all.
3 He answered them, 'What did Moses command you?'
4 They replied, 'Moses allowed us to draw up a writ of dismissal in cases of divorce.'
5 Then Jesus said to them, 'It was because you were so hard hearted that he wrote this commandment for you.
6 But from the beginning of creation he made them male and female.
7 This is why a man leaves his father and mother,
8 and the two become one flesh. They are no longer two, therefore, but one flesh.
9 So then, what God has united, human beings must not divide.'
10 Back in the house the disciples questioned him again about this,
11 and he said to them, 'Whoever divorces his wife and marries another is guilty of adultery against her.
12 And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another she is guilty of adultery too.'
15 In truth I tell you, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'
16 Then he embraced them, laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing.
EMBRACING UNITY AND A CHILDLIKE FAITH
My beloved readers and children of God, today we have to reflect on a profound teaching from the Gospel of Mark, a passage that challenges us to reconsider our understanding of relationships, commitment, and the nature of the kingdom of God.
As the Pharisees approach Jesus, their intent is clear: they seek to test Him, to trap Him in a legalistic debate about divorce. They cite Moses, who allowed for a writ of dismissal, but Jesus redirects the conversation back to the heart of the matter. He reminds them that God’s intention for marriage, as established at creation, is for unity, a sacred bond where two become one flesh. This divine union is not merely a legal arrangement but a profound connection that reflects God’s love.
Jesus acknowledges that Moses permitted divorce due to the hardness of human hearts. This is a crucial point. It reveals that the laws and rules we create often stem from our imperfections and struggles. Jesus calls us to rise above this hardness, to embrace the transformative power of love and grace. He emphasizes that what God has joined together, we must not separate. In a world where relationships can often be transactional, where love can feel conditional, Jesus invites us to understand that true love is steadfast, enduring, and rooted in commitment.
Yet, Jesus does not stop there. After addressing the seriousness of marriage, He turns His attention to the children being brought to Him. His reaction is one of indignation towards His disciples, who scold the people for bringing the little ones. Jesus declares, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them.” Here, He emphasizes a radical inclusion, one that contrasts sharply with the rigid structures often seen in religious practices.
Children, in their innocence and openness, embody the qualities essential for entering the kingdom of God: trust, wonder, and humility. They teach us that faith is not merely a set of rules to be followed but a relationship to be nurtured. To welcome the kingdom of God like a child means to embrace vulnerability and to seek genuine connection with God and one another.
In our lives, we may find ourselves grappling with the complexities of relationships, whether they be familial, friendships, or romantic. Jesus’ message challenges us to reflect on how we approach these relationships. Are we quick to judge, to criticize, or to separate? Or are we willing to embody grace, to forgive, and to honor the bonds that unite us?
As we consider these themes, let us be reminded that the call to unity and love is not just for marriages but extends to all our interactions. We are called to build bridges, to reconcile differences, and to cultivate an environment where everyone feels welcomed, especially the marginalized and vulnerable among us.
Moreover, let us ask ourselves: How can we embrace a spirit of childlike wonder in our faith? How can we approach our relationships with the same openness and love that Jesus exemplified? In doing so, we will not only enrich our lives but also reflect the love of God to the world around us.
As we conclude, let us remember that in the kingdom of God, everyone is invited, and every relationship holds the potential for grace. May we strive to live out this calling, fostering love and connection, as we follow the example of Christ.
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September 29, 2024 - SUNDAY GOSPEL READING
GOD'S MISSION IS ALL-EMBRACING
Brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s Gospel from Mark 9:38-48 invites us to reflect deeply on the nature of God’s kingdom and our role within it. In this passage, we witness a moment of tension among Jesus' followers. John, perhaps feeling protective of their group, expresses concern about someone outside their circle who is casting out demons in Jesus’ name. But Jesus responds with a profound truth: "Anyone who is not against us is for us."
The disciples’ first instinct here was to protect their identity and authority. They thought that only those within their community could be true followers of Christ. Yet Jesus challenges that narrow view. He opens the door to a much broader understanding. The kingdom of God is not limited to a select few; it includes all who work for good in His name.
In our lives, how often do we find ourselves creating divisions? Whether based on denomination, tradition, or even social issues, we can be quick to judge those who do not share our exact beliefs or practices. But Jesus calls us to recognize that anyone who embodies His love and compassion, regardless of their background, is part of His mission. Let us embrace the diversity of God's creation and celebrate our shared commitment to love and service.
Next, Jesus issues a grave warning about causing others to fall. He speaks vividly about the consequences of leading "these little ones" to harm. In our contemporary context, "little ones" can represent not only children but also those who are vulnerable in faith, new believers, the marginalized, the lost. We are reminded that our actions and words hold immense responsibility.
As followers of Christ, we bear the duty to nurture faith rather than diminish it. Are we living in such a way that we build each other up? Are we extending grace to those who are different from us? Or do our judgments and exclusions push others away from the very love of God that we claim to represent?
Jesus then speaks to the severity of sin in our lives, urging us to take radical measures to protect our faith. His words about cutting off hands or gouging out eyes might seem harsh, but they underscore an essential truth: the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God above all else. What in our lives leads us away from Him? Is it an unhealthy relationship, a habit, or perhaps a perspective that fosters division instead of unity?
Let us ask ourselves: What might we need to ‘cut off’ in our lives to embrace the fullness of the kingdom? It's about removing the spiritual barriers that keep us away from experiencing the love and grace God desires for us.
Let us commit to being vessels of Christ’s love, embracing those who may not look or believe like us. Let us be intentional in encouraging faith in others, ensuring that our communities reflect the welcoming heart of Jesus. And let us examine our own lives, daring to make the necessary changes that lead us closer to Him.
To end this sermon, what God is teaching us here is that His grace is all-embracing. It is open to all those who decide to change and do good things under His name. May we not be quick to judge against them. Together, may we strive to build a kingdom that reflects His love, a kingdom that welcomes all who seek Him.
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September 22, 2024 - SUNDAY GOSPEL READING
MARK 9:30-37
THE PATH OF TRUE GREATNESS
MARK 8:27-35
TAKING UP OUR CROSS, A JOURNEY OF FAITH
Beloved children of God, here, in the Gospel of Mark, a passage does not only reveal Jesus’ identity but also challenges us to reconsider our own understanding of discipleship and sacrifice.
Jesus begins by asking His disciples a profound question: “Who do people say I am?” Their responses reflect the varying opinions of the crowd. Some see Him as John the Baptist, others as Elijah or one of the prophets. Each of these responses reveals an attempt to fit Jesus into familiar categories, yet none truly capture His essence.
Then, Jesus turns the question toward His disciples: “But you, who do you say I am?” Peter boldly proclaims, “You are the Christ.” In this moment, Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah, the anointed one sent to save God’s people. But soon after this declaration, Jesus reveals the true nature of His mission, one that involves suffering, rejection, and death.
Peter’s response to Jesus’ prediction of suffering is one we might resonate with: a desire to protect Jesus from harm. But Jesus rebukes Peter, calling him “Satan.” This sharp response is a reminder that even our best intentions can sometimes be at odds with God’s plans.
Discipleship is not just about following Jesus when it’s convenient or when we understand the path clearly. It is a call to embrace the difficult truths of faith. Jesus invites us to take up our cross, a symbol of sacrifice and suffering, and follow Him.
Jesus presents a paradox: “Anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.” This statement challenges our understanding of success and fulfillment. In a world that often equates life with comfort and self-preservation, Jesus flips the script.
To lose one’s life for His sake means embracing vulnerability, surrendering our own desires, and placing others above ourselves. It means stepping into the suffering of the world and recognizing that in that suffering, there is profound grace and hope.
As we reflect on this passage, let us ask ourselves: Who do we say Jesus is in our lives? Is He merely a teacher, a moral guide, or is He the Christ, the one who calls us into a deeper relationship, one that demands our all?
And what does it mean for us to take up our crosses? Perhaps it’s in the small, everyday sacrifices we make for the sake of others, showing kindness when it’s hard, standing up for those who are marginalized, or letting go of our need to control every aspect of our lives.
In essence, Jesus invites us into a radical way of living, one that reflects His love and grace in a world that desperately needs it. Let us not shy away from the challenges of discipleship but embrace them, knowing that in losing our lives for His sake, we find the truest sense of life.
May we answer His call, taking up our crosses with courage and conviction, as we follow the one who suffered, died, and rose again for our sake.
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September 8, 2024 - SUNDAY GOSPEL READING
MARK 7:31-37
GOD'S COMPASSION THROUGH FAITH AND HEALING
Dear friends, today we find ourselves in a profound moment within the Gospel of Mark, a moment that invites us to reflect on the depth of Jesus' compassion and the transformative power of faith. In this passage, we witness a remarkable healing: a deaf man with a speech impediment is brought to Jesus, and through a series of tender, intimate gestures, he is restored to wholeness.
As Jesus travels from Tyre through Sidon into the Decapolis, we see that no physical landscape can hinder God's desire to help others. The deaf man's healing reveals that, regardless of who we are, or our life circumstances, God's love and healing are always within reach. His love knows no bounds.
When Jesus heals the deaf man, He first takes him aside, away from the crowd. This act of separation speaks volumes about the personal nature of His ministry. Jesus meets us where we are, understanding our individual struggles and our silent cries for help.
In our lives, how often do we feel unheard or misunderstood? The man’s condition symbolizes more than just physical deafness; it resonates with our deeper human experience of feeling disconnected, from each other and from God. Jesus’ journey to him serves as a powerful reminder that He is always moving toward those in need, always seeking to draw us closer to Him, no matter our situation.
Before healing the man, Jesus sighs, a sigh that carries the weight of our collective pain. This sigh reminds us that He is not indifferent to our suffering. It reveals His empathy and His profound understanding of our struggles and pain. In our prayers, do we share in that sigh too, lamenting the injustices, the pain, and the silence that surround us? Jesus calls us to be vessels of His love, to bear that burden and bring forth healing in our relationships and communities.
When Jesus speaks the word “Ephphatha,” meaning “Be opened,” He addresses more than the man's physical ears and tongue. He invites him, and us, to openness in every aspect of our lives. To be opened is to be receptive to God’s grace, to the healing of our hearts.
In our spiritual journeys, how often do we close ourselves off from the truth? How often do fears, prejudices, or past hurts mute our voices? Jesus invites us to open our ears to His Word and our tongues to proclaim His goodness. This openness is not solely about receiving; it is also about sharing the message of hope and love with those around us.
Despite Jesus’ instruction to keep the healing quiet, the people cannot contain their amazement. Their praise, “Everything He does is good!”, is a testament to the infectious nature of joy and gratitude. When we experience true transformation, how can we help but share that with others? Our stories of healing and grace have the power to inspire and uplift those around us.
Eventually, this Gospel teaches us to be open to God’s healing power and to have faith in Him so we can be receptive to Him and his power and share this power and goodness to others. We are called to embody the love, care, and compassion of Jesus in our interactions with those in need, to be His hands and feet in healing the world.
May we, like the crowd, boldly proclaim, “Everything He does is good!” Let us therefore open our hearts and minds, ready to experience His transformative love and proclaim it to the world.
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September 1, 2024 - SUNDAY GOSPEL READING
MARK 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
1 The Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered round him,
THE CALL TO INNER TRANSFORMATION
Today, we have to reflect on a powerful teaching from the Gospel of Mark. In this passage, Jesus confronts the religious leaders of His time, who are more concerned with external rituals than with the condition of the heart. It’s a moment that challenges us to examine our own practices, beliefs, and, most importantly, our intentions.
The Pharisees and scribes approach Jesus, critiquing Him for not adhering to the tradition of the elders, specifically, the ritual handwashing before meals. They are focused on the external, on the visible signs of piety, while Jesus draws their attention inward. He responds not with anger, but with clarity, citing Isaiah’s words: “This people honor me only with lip-service, while their hearts are far from me.”
Herein lies a profound truth for us today. How often do we honor God with our words and actions, while neglecting the deeper call to transformation within our hearts? It is so easy to fall into the trap of rituals and traditions, to become so focused on what we do that we forget why we do it. Our faith can become a checklist of activities instead of a heartfelt relationship with God.
Jesus calls the crowd to listen, to understand that true defilement does not come from what enters our bodies, but from what emerges from our hearts. This is a radical shift from the external focus of the Pharisees to the internal reality of our intentions and actions. He lists the things that can make us unclean: fornication, theft, murder, and more. These are not merely actions, but reflections of a heart that has strayed from God’s commandment to love.
Let us pause and reflect on this. What emerges from our hearts? Are we harboring malice, envy, or deceit? These are not just sins; they are signs of a heart that needs renewal. The call of Jesus invites us to introspection and transformation. He urges us to cleanse our hearts, to examine our intentions, and to realign ourselves with God’s purpose.
As we consider our lives, our choices, our words, and our interactions with others, let us ask ourselves: Are we adhering to human traditions that distract us from the heart of God’s commandments? Are we allowing our practices to define our faith instead of letting our faith guide our practices?
This Gospel challenges us to dig deeper, to seek authenticity in our relationship with God. Jesus wants us to cultivate a heart that is open to His love and grace, one that is willing to seek justice, show mercy, and walk humbly. Our faith is not about outward appearances, but about the inner transformation that allows us to reflect Christ’s love in the world.
As we allow ourselves to thrive in this world, let us commit to looking within. Let us seek to cleanse our hearts of anything that stands between us and God. And let us remember that our actions should flow from a heart filled with love, compassion, and grace.
May we honor God not just with our lips, but with our lives, embodying the love that Jesus so beautifully exemplified.
But before we end, I just want to remember you these key lessons that we learn from this gospel reading:
Inner Purity Over External Rituals: Jesus teaches that true purity comes from within. It’s not enough to follow rituals or traditions; what matters is the condition of our hearts.
Beware of Hypocrisy: The Pharisees are criticized for focusing on human traditions while neglecting the spirit of God’s commandments. We should strive for authenticity in our faith and actions.
Intentions Matter: Our thoughts and intentions shape our actions. It’s important to cultivate a heart filled with love and integrity, as our inner life ultimately influences how we interact with others.
Transformation is Key: Spiritual transformation begins within. Rather than merely conforming to external expectations, we should seek a genuine relationship with God that changes us from the inside out.
Embrace God’s Commandments: Prioritize God’s teachings over human-made rules. Understanding the heart of God’s law helps us live more fully in love and grace.
Community Reflection: As a community, we should encourage one another to look beyond mere traditions and focus on embodying the love and compassion of Christ.
Accountability for Our Actions: We are responsible for what we allow to flourish in our hearts. Regular self-examination and prayer can help us identify and address negative patterns.
By embracing these lessons, we can deepen our faith and live out the true essence of Christ’s teachings.